Urethral Stricture Disease

If you’re dealing with unexplained urinary tract problems or managing urethral stricture disease, the urologists at UMass Memorial Health can help. As one of the largest and most experienced urology programs in Central Massachusetts, we routinely diagnose and treat the most complex urinary tract disorders, including urethral strictures and obstructions.

Our expertise in minimally invasive and reconstructive urologic surgery means we offer the most advanced procedures available. We select treatments aimed at relieving symptoms, minimizing side effects and enhancing your quality of life.

What Is Urethral Stricture Disease?

Urethral stricture disease develops when scar tissue forms in your urethra and causes it to narrow (urethral stenosis). Your urethra is a thin tube attached to your bladder that carries urine out of your body.

In men, the urethra is long (about 9 inches) and passes through the prostate and penis. It also carries semen during ejaculation. In women, the urethra is shorter (almost 2 inches). Urethral stricture disease is much more common in men due to the length of the urethra.

When scar tissue narrows your urethra, it’s harder for urine to pass through your urinary tract. Urethral stricture disease may lead to urinary dysfunction, kidney stone disease, prostatitis and other problems.

What Causes Urethral Stricture Disease?

The most common causes of urethral stricture disease in adult men include:

• Chronic inflammation
• Kidney stone removal
• Prostate cancer surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Traumatic injuries 
• Urinary catheterization

Urethral Stricture Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of a urethral stricture may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in your urine or semen
• Difficulty urinating or ejaculating
• Pain during urination or ejaculation
• Slow or weak urine stream
• Urinary tract infection
• Urinary urgency or frequency

Our Approach to Urethral Stricture Disease Treatment

Surgery is the most common treatment for urethral stricture disease. At UMass Memorial, our urologists have extensive experience performing the latest procedures. Whenever possible, we recommend a minimally invasive approach to help you recover faster and with less pain. We also specialize in surgical techniques that preserve urinary and sexual function.

Treatment depends on the location of scar tissue in your urethra and how much of your urethra is affected. We may recommend:

• Urethral dilation: A urologist uses thin rods or a catheter (flexible tube) with an inflated balloon to widen your urethra. Dilation usually needs to be repeated regularly. 
• Urethrotomy: We insert a special tool called a cystoscope into your urethra and cut the scar tissue using a blade or laser to widen your urethra. 
• Urethroplasty: A urologist removes the scarred part of your urethra. They reconnect the two remaining ends or use tissue from elsewhere in your body to reconstruct the tube. Urethroplasty is for large strictures that we can’t address with dilation or urethrotomy.